TULSA, Okla. – FC Tulsa announced on Thursday it had signed veteran defender Lucas Stauffer following his mutual release from fellow USL Championship club Lexington SC. Stauffer will be eligible for selection in FC Tulsa’s contest against One Knoxville SC in the USL Jägermeister Cup on Saturday night.

Stauffer arrives in Tulsa after stints with Lexington, El Paso Locomotive FC, and Las Vegas Lights FC. Over the course of his career he’s recorded 80 appearances in the USL Championship and notched six goals and eight assists along the way.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucas to FC Tulsa,” said Caleb Sewell, Sporting Director and General Manager of FC Tulsa. “Lucas brings an exceptional mix of tenacity, intelligence and consistency to our back line. His defending speaks for itself, relentless, sharp and fearless, but just as importantly, he’s the kind of high-character individual who elevates the culture of a locker room. We believe in who he is as a player and as a person, and we’re confident he’ll play a key role in helping push this group forward."

A native of Owensboro, Ky., Stauffer was acquired by Lexington SC in December 2024, where he was under contract but did not make a competitive appearance. He most recently played for El Paso Locomotive FC, where he started 28 of 29 matches in the 2024 season. During that time, he recorded 37 tackles and 21 interceptions, while also contributing offensively with a goal against Sacramento Republic FC and two assists.

Stauffer enjoyed a career year in 2023 with Las Vegas Lights FC, posting three goals and six assists while adding career marks in crosses (96), tackles won (47), and interceptions (33). His ability to contribute in all areas of the pitch will make him a key asset to FC Tulsa’s defensive and attacking schemes.

In addition to his time in the USL Championship, Stauffer has experience playing internationally in Germany, with stints at FSV Wacker 90 Nordhausen (2019-20) and FC Carl Zeiss Jena (2020-22). He began his professional journey as the No. 26 pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC.